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Jill-68
Reviews
Masked and Anonymous (2003)
I totally 'get' this film (or am I just fooling myself?)
I have read all of the comments posted here, and no one has seen this film as I myself did. Of course, I could be way off-base.......but for me this film did a much better job of portraying the Gospel of Jesus than "The Passion of The Christ" (a film I didn't care for at all). The symbolism is everywhere: Jack Fate's mother's name is Mary. When Angela Bassett says something about 'waiting for him to return' the camera shows the fireplace with a metal cross in front of it. When Jack Fate is asked if he will be back (by Cheech Marin), he states "I've been back." His dying father is behind a curtain (the curtain that was in front of the altar in the ancient Jewish temple). Mickey Rourke is the devil that wants to rule the world. Luke Wilson is Peter (defending Jack Fate the way Peter cut off a guard's ear in the Garden of Gethsemane......then fleeing). Jeff Bridges is the archetype for the Pharisees, with all the trick questions they placed to Jesus. Jack Fate is silent, like a lamb led to the slaughter, knowing that his words will not make a bit of difference anyway (notice the scapegoat in Val Kilmer's animal menangerie, along with the sacrificial lamb.....er, Easter bunny....). Jeff Bridges's girlfriend represents the devout Jews, with their rituals and prayers, who weeps when the Law (represented by Jeff Bridges) is no more. Jeff Goodman may represent Christianity today (not a pretty picture, is it?). The religious symbolism is in every frame, every line of dialogue throughout this film. I disagree with the critics who feel that this movie was thrown together in a haphazard fashion. Instead, I feel every scene has tremendous meaning (little girl singing to Jack Fate.....ah, let the little ones come unto me. Whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it).
Then again, maybe it's just about Dylan.
Masked and Anonymous (2003)
I totally 'get' this film (or am I just fooling myself?)
I have read all of the comments posted here, and no one has seen this film as I myself did. Of course, I could be way off-base.......but for me this film did a much better job of portraying the Gospel of Jesus than "The Passion of The Christ" (a film I didn't care for at all). The symbolism is everywhere: Jack Fate's mother's name is Mary. When Angela Bassett says something about 'waiting for him to return' the camera shows the fireplace with a metal cross in front of it. When Jack Fate is asked if he will be back (by Cheech Marin), he states "I've been back." His dying father is behind a curtain (the curtain that was in front of the altar in the ancient Jewish temple). Mickey Rourke is the devil that wants to rule the world. Luke Wilson is Peter (defending Jack Fate the way Peter cut off a guard's ear in the Garden of Gethsemane......then fleeing). Jeff Bridges is the archetype for the Pharisees, with all the trick questions they placed to Jesus. Jack Fate is silent, like a lamb led to the slaughter, knowing that his words will not make a bit of difference anyway (notice the scapegoat in Val Kilmer's animal menangerie, along with the sacrificial lamb.....er, Easter bunny....). Jeff Bridges's girlfriend represents the devout Jews, with their rituals and prayers, who weeps when the Law (represented by Jeff Bridges) is no more. Jeff Goodman may represent Christianity today (not a pretty picture, is it?). The religious symbolism is in every frame, every line of dialogue throughout this film. I disagree with the critics who feel that this movie was thrown together in a haphazard fashion. Instead, I feel every scene has tremendous meaning (little girl singing to Jack Fate.....ah, let the little ones come unto me. Whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it).
Then again, maybe it's just about Dylan.
The Englishman Who Went Up a Hill But Came Down a Mountain (1995)
Sometimes it's more fun just to read the comments here.
I absolutely loved this film. But I also absolutely loved the comments by Philip Davies (keep scrolling down this webpage until you come to his most intelligent and scathing review of this film).
I enjoyed the film because I felt it was good old-fashioned storytelling. Two strangers come to town, and it ends up being the biggest week of their lives. There are obstacles and struggles, humor and pathos, young people falling in love, old people finding their purpose in life at last, and wounded people becoming whole again. All in a few day's work. Plus I identified with the two Englishmen who couldn't get out of town. How many times have I been to a metaphorical train station only to have some bureaucrat say "Trains? What trains? There are no trains here."
Someone Like You... (2001)
Much Better Than I Expected
I rented this film only because Hugh Jackman is in it. Since I don't even remember it being in the theaters (though my daughter does), I assumed it was going to be a bit lame. And if I had read the reviews I've found posted here first, I would have been even MORE hesitant about watching it. Instead, I quickly found myself being led into a satirical funny movie, that had me laughing aloud (I'm the type of person that DOES think it's funny to hear chirping birds when Ashley Judd first stares into the smarmy but cute eyes of Greg Kinnear, while the word 'Attraction' is flashed across the screen like a card from a Silent Movie). I thought Ashley Judd was a great comedienne in this film, especially the scene where she was drunk at the bar. She plays angry loud drunk female very well. There were also plenty of sight gags. Am I the only one who laughed at the sight of Hugh Jackman nailing up a blanket over the horrendous hole in the wall in his apartment? Ashley having to schlep her luggage down the street to her new apartment? The seating arrangements in the conference room at the workplace, showing the changes in each couple's relationships? Honest, I laughed at almost every scene in this film. It turns out this movie is based on the book "Animal Husbandry," a witty little novella that can be read in a day, which is written like a journal in the life of Jane. In the book, the character of "Eddie" remains always intriguing, always fascinating, and always a bit out of reach. Hugh Jackman attempts to put some of that swagger and inscrutable mystery into his characterization. It's an intriguing role, and not really an easy one to play, but Hugh as usual does a great job. His character is emphasized much more in the film than in the book. Greg Kinnear, as "Ray" plays it a little too tongue-in-cheek, but the scenes where he's talking to the camera are priceless. And Ashley Judd plays 'Jane' in a more sympathetic and believable light than the heroine of the novel was portrayed. To me, the movie flowed well, and the ending was just fine. It's fun to watch the 'Alternate Ending' on the DVD, though, with Director's Commentary. Once you've heard the director explain that wet cotton-snow, green trees in January, and bad rain special-effects mean an ending has to be trashed, you can't help but laugh. Not only that, but Hugh Jackman looks good wet, too.
Kate & Leopold (2001)
I liked it, I really liked it [possible Spoilers]
I saw this movie at the theater, I have seen this movie on Video and DVD, and I totally bought into it. You mean I wasn't supposed to? Oh dear. First of all, it bears an amazing resemblance to Jude Devereaux's romance novel "A Knight in Shining Armor" so much so that I was surprised that this book was never mentioned in the credits. The scene of going to an historical home that was once the abode of the main character, and that character knowing exactly where a 'secret' panel was behind the wall, which contained 'treasures' from the past, is straight out of the above-mentioned book. I also found similarities with that very good film of Malcom McDowall/Mary Steenburgen's called, I believe, "Time After Time," where H.G. Wells traveled to modern day San Francisco, only to find true love and bring his modern-day gal back to Victorian London with him. Since, in real life apparently, H.G. Wells was married to a very modern 'ahead-of-her-time' feminist woman, this was a charming little twist. One can easily imagine "Kate" in this film also bringing her 'modern' ideas about women in society to stodgy old Victorian New York, and shaking things up a bit. Perhaps along the lines of novelist Edith Wharton.
Also, there is nothing to suggest that these 'time-travelers' will be forever stuck in one place in time. I assume if the scientist ("Kate's" ex-boyfriend) figured out how to access a portal in time once, he can do it again. And again. And again. See, at no time was I muddled, it all made perfect sense to me. :-) And since I myself am over 40, stuck in a career path that no longer interests me, and sick to death sometimes of the tediousness of the Rat Race, I have no quarrel with a woman who is suddenly confronted with a man so drop-dead sexy (and who can sing and dance too, by golly) that she chucks off her boring life with hardly a blink of an eye, and takes a Leap of Faith that somewhere, anywhere, is probably better than what she already knows. At least she won't be bored.
Unrealistic? Not at all. "Kate" will be appalled at the horrors confronting the working-classes in the urban 19th Century, and will become known for her innovations as a social worker. "Leopold" will realize he's going to have to work for a living, and hence he turns his invention of an Elevator into reality. Who knows, he might invent a lot more things, considering that "Kate" will be able to give him lots of good ideas. This sort of thing was played up with charming effect in "Peggy Sue Got Married." I'm buying all of this, I'm telling you.
When "Kate" becomes pregnant, and realizes there are complications, "Leopold" will simply pick her up in his big strong arms and leap off of the nearest bridge through the next oncoming time portal, and save the day. No, really. This is a lovely, fun, enchanting movie!
Shame (1992)
A strong heroine tries to save the day - but I'm still depressed.
This is a remake of the Australian film of the same name. Having never seen the original, I cannot compare the two. I honestly don't think I could sit through this story again. It's not a bad film...it's just that it's so anger-provoking, and just plain depressing, I could barely get through this version. The good points: beautiful cinematography; fine performances by the two female stars, Amanda Donohoe and Fairuza Balk; a storyline that keeps one interested in the outcome; and an almost allegorical approach to the Stranger who rides into town to save it from the Bad Guys - with a twist - this Hero/Stranger is a female (and she's just as tough on her motorcycle as Clint Eastwood ever was on a horse).
The bad points: A depressing, mind-numbing soundtrack; dialogue that is unbelievable at times; and villains who are so incredibly mean, vile, hateful and ignorant, that you pray the earth will open up and swallow them whole. The most disturbing aspect of this film is the way it made me want to hit something or someone the entire time I watched it....all the characters are wound up tight, and this is a very violence-provoking story. The story consists of two 15 year old girls who are brutally gang-raped. No one gives a damn...not even their families. Instead, they are held up for ridicule and humiliation. The ending of this film was very unsatisfying, also. It made me want to go out and get a drink....a very strong drink. Maybe two.
The Pacific Connection (1974)
'We're Sorry...this film has been disconnected.'
This movie is also known as "Stickfighter." No matter what they call it....it's still bad. Lots of sword play. Lots of stickfightin' martial arts. Lots of gratuitous violence. Throw in some island girls in skimpy sarongs, bad bad acting, and incomprehensible film editing....and you end up with this mess. The stickfighting sequences were not filmed interestingly enough to hold my attention. I was downright bored. A few name actors are actually in this stinker....Alejandro Rey and Gilbert Roland look like they should have been in a better film. And Dean Stockwell camps outrageously....obviously preparing himself for Ben in "Blue Velvet."
The story is set in the distant past in the Phillipines. The Spanish governor rules the islands...the Queen of Spain is Isabella...there is a Japanese Samurai....so, I'm thinking 1500's? But the clothes look like the 1700's. Well, actually, the clothes look like they were bought at K-Mart in the 1970's, and refashioned with a few accessories. The Spaniards are mean. The indigent population is good. That's the story. Hang up now.
One Away (1976)
Tasty little film...signifying nothing.
Cheesy soundtrack. Corny dialogue. Delicious film editing. Not enough for a satisfying meal....but good enough for a midnight snack.
The plot concerns a prisoner's planned escape from a South African jail. No, it's not political....unless you're involved with the Amnesty for Gypsies foundation. The movie moves along at a brisk pace (even though it's going nowhere), the actors are all nice-looking folks, and there is some pretty darn good racing sequences involving motorcyclists dirtbikin' their way over the South African terrain. I kinda liked it.
Mad Dog Morgan (1976)
Rough, brutal, ugly, complex, compelling, and unsettling.
This Australian film is based on a true story of an outlaw in the rough and ready world of the 1800's Way Down Under. It's a very rough world indeed. There are no jokes, no hijinks, no pretty lady loves. Morgan is brutalized by his environment of gold camps, opium dens, and a hellish period in prison. His one love, his one true friend, is a male aborigine who acts as both his savior and his servant.
This is, indeed, an ugly film. Yet Dennis Hopper manages to find a note of grace, and gives the film it's heart. The last portion of the film seems deeper and truer than the scenes that went before, allowing the viewer to understand more fully the complexity of a man such as Morgan.
The movie is low-budget and a bit disjointed. It is also often compelling.....and unsettling. I can't give it a high grade, due to it's poor producton values. But I'm glad it's in my collection.
Rapture (1965)
Not quite ecstatic...but lovingly filmed.
This film is a bit slow and lingering....making me think the director has seen one too many Bergman films. However - it was made in 1965, it's French, and it's shot in beautiful black & white. The world was different back then. The close-ups of the actor's faces are as expressive as the background shots of the rough Brittany coastline. The young girl, Patricia Gozzi, is fascinating. The relationship between her and her father is so complex that, well...I still haven't figured it out. And for pure cinematic beauty....no, it's not the girl....it's Dean Stockwell. The camera caresses his face in every scene. And, in the long shots, he looks like James Dean...as he stuffs his hands in his pockets and leans forward as he walks, with the young girl following him close behind. The father/daughter relationship I don't understand....but the young girl's infatuation with Stockwell makes perfect sense to me.
She Came to the Valley (1979)
The actors give it their all...but it's not enough.
A very poorly-made film....not even up to straight-to-video standards. In spite of that, the actors do their darndest to put the story across. Sometimes they try too hard, I'm afraid, and I wince at the overacting. Scott Glenn, however, stays above the fray. He really does a fine job with his character. And the story drew me in as the film progressed, and I began to overlook the obvious flaws. By the time the film was finished, I realized it was just an old-fashioned western...and there isn't anything wrong with that, is there? Still, hard to believe this film was made in 1977. It has a very 1957 feel to it. It should only be sold or rented for 1957 prices, too.
Alsino y el cóndor (1982)
Am I a fool for propaganda?
I actually liked this movie....but after reading other comments, I'm wondering what happened to me. Was I hypnotized? Was it because I was reading subtitles? I truly did care about the little boy in this film. And the scenes of war in this Central American country were heartwrenching. Really hit me hard. Am I a fool for propaganda? Was I being played like a violin? I also thought Dean Stockwell was great in his role as the American chopper pilot. I especially loved his drunk scene - uh, maybe because it reminded me of all the fights I used to have with my ex.....the one lighthearted moment in a film filled with heavy sorrows.
Win, Place or Steal (1974)
Poorly written, poorly edited, badly lit.
A well-intentioned film that is, unfortunately, a bomb. Many of the scenes outlive their usefulness. Not only that, but they're badly lit to boot. And the characters are unappealing....believe me, you would not want to know any of them.
A shame, because the actors themselves are a likeable bunch of fellas. The story revolves around three losers: Alex Karras, Dean Stockwell and Russ Tamblyn. They hatch a plan to steal a betting machine from the racetrack, with the idea of printing up their own winning tickets. That's the plot, and it takes forever to get there. Look for a quick scene with Harry Dean Stanton in the men's restroom.
Banzai Runner (1987)
You can't judge a video by it's cover
If only this video was as good as it's cover implies: Easy Women! Dangerous Men! Exotic Cars! Easy Women? A teenage girl that leaves her panties in the living room....and a bored little rich girl that likes to strip in speeding cars. Dangerous Men? Sleazy middle-aged men running drugs. Exotic Cars? Well, the cars look nice...but the camera shots of speeding vehicles are rather boring. My teenage son says, "Oh Mom, it's not THAT bad!" Well, I guess he's right...I DID like the cover.
McHale's Navy (1997)
Comedy IS Hard
It's true....Comedy IS hard. And nothing is more painful than watching a group of actors attempt to do sight gags and wisecracks, without ever succeeding. And all the actors seem to be out-of-step with each other....none of them are in the same movie, really. And none of them should have made this one.
The Shadow Men (1997)
Please don't let me be abducted by this family.
Standard alien-abduction conspiracy-theory story that could be written in one's sleep (and probably was). The centerpiece of the tale is a very unappealing All-American Family...Hollywood Yuppie version. The dad is a complete wimp (he's handed a grenade and says "What do I do?"...that really cracked my kids up). The mom is overbearing, overprotective, and humorless...probably heads the local PTA. And the kid is whiny...but then, look at his parents. The only enjoyment I got out of this movie was watching Dean Stockwell....I loved it when he was frying up eggs for breakfast, and then asked the dad if he would rather have granola..or (with great disdain) Yogurt! Personally, Dean would probably have had a better time if he invited the MIB to breakfast...and barricaded his house against the Yuppies.
Twilight Man (1996)
Not For the Truly Observant
This movie is well-edited, with plenty of atmosphere and great camera shots; unfortunately, you could drive a truck through the loopholes in the script. My 11 yr. old spotted a glaring inconsistency right away...which tells you something. The female lead lets the bad guy into her apartment; "Why is she doing that?!" my kid demands. "Because she doesn't know what he looks like," I respond (being the non-observant, gullible mom that I am). "Yes, she does! He was the Cable Guy!" So I'm left realizing that I would probably let the bad guy in, too. Sigh. I stayed with this movie until the end, and kinda enjoyed it. But I wouldn't watch it again. Not unless I had my kid around to save me from bad plot devices.
The Langoliers (1995)
Is there a nice way to say "What a load of crap!"?
This is one of the worst movies I've rented in a long time. Now, I'm a big fan of Bad movies that are Fun to watch. But this one ain't fun. The acting is incredibly awful....the characters are cardboard, the plot cliche-ridden. When the Langolier monsters finally arrived, I cheered up a bit...and then was left realizing....that was it. A real waste of video. Surely there are starving film directors in China that could have used this tape?
Limit Up (1989)
Harmless Ho-Hum Fantasy
I wanted to like this movie, but it's rather dull. I'm sure it looked better on paper. The environment of a commodities trading floor just isn't exciting enough to hold my attention...for one thing, I don't understand it. The screenwriters foresaw this problem...and included lots of scenes explaining the soybean trade to me. I became less enthused with each passing minute. The stars, Nancy Allen and Brad Hall, just aren't charismatic enough to carry a film. The girl who plays the Devil in Disguise (Donitra Vance) tries her damnest to liven up the proceedings...but merely becomes annoying. This would have been a much better movie if Dean Stockwell and his beautiful, cunning accomplice were the major stars...instead, they do their best with supporting parts. Only there's nothing here to support.
Catchfire (1990)
Good Idea...Maybe they'll make a movie of it.
I really liked everything about this movie...until I watched it spiral out-of-control into a nosedive ending. At some point, the whole tone of the movie changed....probably when the hit-man and his quarry finally meet. The premise is enticing...a man is hired to kill a young woman...but first he must locate her. Difficult, as she is in hiding from both the Mob AND the cops. She abandons her apartment, and the hit man moves in....by going through her personal things, he hopes to discover where she might have fled. More and more, he discovers her personality, her soul....and begins to fall in love with a person he has never met. What a great story! And someday, someone will make a better version of it. This one fell apart too quickly. Perhaps, once meeting her, the hit man should have spared the victim's life....without explanation...just turned and walked away. The End.
Gardens of Stone (1987)
Excellent Coppola Film
An excellent film. The subject matter is not one that I thought would hold my attention....but I was wrong. The characters in this movie will involve you in their lives, so be prepared to stay awhile. The writing is first-rate. But I was most impressed with the directorial abilities of Coppola....and here's the reason why: he reined in the actors so that they gave marvelous, realistic performances (James Caan and Dean Stockwell are not always the most subtle of performers - but here, they are perfect). There is one exception - Coppola allows Angelica Huston to shine, and brings her out to full advantage (what is the opposite of 'reining in?'). For all the actors to turn in such great portrayals says something about the director, I think.
The Loners (1972)
Don't expect much....and you won't be disappointed
Don't expect a biker flick. Don't expect the genius of Easy Rider. Okay, now that you're not expecting anything....sit back and enjoy Dean Stockwell as a tense, neurotic, lonely and misunderstood youth on his way to self-destruction. This is years before Al of Quantum Leap fame. He's the best part of the film. The girl, Pat Stich, is annoying. The sidekick, Todd Sussman, reminds me of Screech on Saved By The Bell....this is not a compliment (are they related?). The writing and editing of this film leave much to be desired. The movie screams Low-Budget.
I like Dean. I would ride a motorcycle across the desert with him anytime. As long as we ride out of this movie.
The Rebel Rousers (1970)
Bad Biker Flick
Ahh, bad biker flicks. Bad biker chicks in underwear. Bad Jack Nicholson before he got any respect. Bruce Dern is the star of this piece, and he's an actor in search of a plot. His wife (in real life) Diane Ladd, has a thankless role as a damsel in distress, at the mercy of a juvenile motorcycle gang. Cameron Mitchell is no help. Jack Nicholson leers and trys to look menacing. And I believe Harry Dean Stanton plays the comic hipster biker in the 1940's be-bop suit. But I could be mistaken. The best scene is when Nicholson and Dern are arguing, and Dern tells him to quit grinning....how either one of them kept a straight face during the proceedings is beyond me.
Night Tide (1961)
One Big Drip
I fell asleep during the middle of this movie....well, that's sort of a review, isn't it? Dennis Hopper looks cute in his sailor suit. Luana Anders is adorable as the girl next door (if you live on a midway). But the Mermaid Maiden was just one big drip, as far as I was concerned. ZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzz.
Carried Away (1996)
A Male Romantic Fantasy
A well-written story peopled with memorable characters. A bit off-putting, though, in its use of full frontal nudity....rather than displaying passion, Dennis Hopper and Amy Irving just looked plain cold.
And I do find it a bit of a male conceit to have a sexy nymphette of the caliber of Amy Locane be sexually aroused by a 49 yr. old (60 in real life) physically handicapped country schoolteacher who still lives on the farm with his mother. Perhaps she might have wiled away her Tuesday afternoons with him in the barn.....while she planned her weekend escapades with someone more suitable. As a woman, I found myself wishing Amy Irving would find herself a 17 yr. old stud to carry HER away....now THAT might be reason for some frontal nudity. But this film really is quite good....I'm just not sure women will like it nearly as much as the fellas.